What are poisonings?
Poisonings consist of accidental contact with toxic substances that can cause serious health problems and even lead to life-threatening situations. In the case of pediatric poisonings, most of them usually occur at home due to the accidental ingestion by children of medicines, cleaning products or phytosanitary products. In addition, in pediatric age they are a frequent reason for consultation in health centers, although they seem to have been stabilizing in recent years thanks, in part, to better health education of families and safety controls. That is why it is very important to keep out of reach of any toxic product or medicine. Poisoning can also occur from insect or animal bites and stings, and from food poisoning. Diagnosis requires a complete physical examination of the child, and treatment will vary depending on the intoxication.
Prognosis of the disease
Depending on the type and degree of intoxication, the prognosis may be mild or severe. The main thing is to contact a specialist and perform tests relevant to the type and degree of poisoning.
Symptoms of poisoning
Symptoms may vary depending on the toxic substance ingested. In addition, they may take time to appear. The most common symptoms are:
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Confusion and drowsiness
- Dizziness – Diarrhea
- Cough
- Headache – Tachycardia and heart palpitations
- Tachycardia and heart palpitations – Loss of appetite with nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite accompanied by nausea and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Urinary incontinence
In case the symptoms do not manifest themselves but the patient suspects that he/she may have been poisoned, do not wait to contact a specialist.
Treatment for poisoning usually varies depending on the cause.
Medical tests for poisoning
Medical tests for poisonings include:
- Blood tests, to check for ethylene glycol and methanol.
- Toxicology test
- Testing for poisons in the home
What are the causes of poisonings?
Elements that can cause poisoning may include:
- Carbon monoxide gas (from furnaces, gas engines, fires, heaters).
- Insecticides
- Some toxic foods and plants
- Chemicals in the workplace
- Drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and pharmaceuticals
- Household detergents and cleaning products
- Indoor and outdoor plants
- Paints
Can it be prevented?
It is necessary to be especially careful with poisons or toxics that can be found in domestic environments. In addition, in the case of children, it is necessary to protect them from toxic substances such as medicines, cleaners, cosmetics, etc.
It is also necessary to pay special attention to the plants you have at home, it is important to know them, especially if they are mushrooms, roots or wild berries. Do not ingest these types of plants unless you are very familiar with them. If you think there are toxic elements that could be contaminating the soil or water in the area where you live, contact your local health department.
In the event that prevention is not enough and you have come into contact with a toxic substance, you need to be treated immediately to prevent further damage.
Treatments for poisoning
Treatment for poisoning usually varies depending on the cause of the poisoning and the severity of the symptoms. If the poisoning is mild, it usually passes within a few days. In the case of moderate or severe poisoning, it may take a little longer and one of the following treatments may be necessary.
- Admission to hospital in order to replace the substances that have been lost in the body such as minerals and calcium. If the poisoning is food poisoning, all these nutrients may have been lost due to symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting. This would prevent dehydration.
- The specialist may prescribe antibiotics depending on the type of intoxication and severity.
Which specialist treats it?
The specialist who treats this pathology is an expert in General and Family Medicine. Family and Community Medicine is in charge of taking care of people, that is to say, of performing Primary Health Care.